Vanadinite (classic material)

Item Description

The Vanadinite specimens from the Apex Mine (San Carlos) are some of the most well-known examples of the species extant. They are somewhat similar to their cousins from the Pure Potential Mine in Arizona, but they have a distinct look all their own. This beautiful and aesthetic toenail sized specimen features several fine quality, very sharp, highly lustrous, beautiful reddish-orange colored hexagonal crystals, which have grown in prismatic "stacked" groups with distinctive skeletal or "hoppered" forms that can be seen when viewing into the "c" axis. The largest composite group of crystals measures 1.7 cm long. A small amount of associated white / colorless Calcite can be seen on the edge of the piece, a sure sign that it's from the Apex Mine. I can't see any major damage, only a couple tiny point of contact, but overall the piece is in superb condition. It's so dramatically showy and three-dimensional for its size, and the quality is fantastic as the luster is mirror bright in areas. A wonderful example of this hard to find material.